I quite literally stumbled onto ScreenToaster. Its a great way to record your desktop without the need of any software. I recently wrote about CamStudio which is a great little app but when you are on the go or at work ScreenToaster is going to come in very handy.

http://www.screentoaster.com/

There is a really good article on MakeUseOf.com on 20 Ways to increase your laptop battery life.

Sometimes a download gets stuck or corrupt. Your clean desktop suddenly gets messed up by an ugly half downloaded file. There is a free and very easy to use solution called FileASSASIN. Its available as a standalone or as a usb app. Either of which are extremely useful.

- Download from developer
- Good Article on FileASSASIN

Sometimes I get phone calls or emails from long lost friends and family or friends of friends or friends of family( you get my point) on how to fix their computer. After spending a few minutes on the phone and hearing how bestbuy or the local computer shop charged $XXX. I always end up saying why didn't you call me first?

1. You live far away
2. I didn't want to bother you
3. I know nothing about this stuff

Luckily for all three of those reason there are applications out there that let you help these folks. Keep in mind there are MANY. My favorite has been and will likely always be LogMeIn. LogMeIn does just as it sounds. It allows me to remotely connect to your PC over the internet. Granted if your hard drive crashed I can't magically pop in through the phone lines, but if you can connect to the net. I can help you out!

LogMeIn is a program for Mac/Windows that is installed and runs in the background. It can be turned on or off with a mouseclick in case your worried about getting an unwanted IT support visit.

They offer a wide variety of programs from the simple free version that I use to the more advanced corporate IT version.

The free version allows you to connect directly to the user's desktop and take control.
Some features include:

• 256 bit encyption


• laser pointer - Very useful for training purposes


• Chat


• Magnify


• Changing screen resolution

I know Magnify and changing screen resolution sound like minor features but when your on someone's screen who has icons the size of notecards it is a bit annoying.

The Setup

First you will need to create a new free account. Once this account is setup you can start adding machines to your "virtual network"

To do this you simply click "add computer". It will prompt for an install and off you go. One important security measure is that each PC will have its own password. Beyond that, if the PC has a username and password, those also must be given. This ensures pretty strict security. The user may also change his/her logmein computer password.

I have included a video of the download process and then a quick glimpse of what it looks like when controling another computer from your browser.